Alert San Diego is a system that allows San Diego county residents to be alerted electronically in the case of a large scale disaster. The intention of the system is to alert as many people in the event of a disaster or emergency and to provide people with relevant and timely information. The system alerts people by phone about the disaster, even sending messages to cell phones. This means that no matter where people are, at home, at an adult hockey tournament, or at a shopping mall, they can get the message immediately. As a result, residents are almost always within easy contact in case of an emergency.

In case of an emergency, most of the population can be alerted within a matter of minutes. This is extremely important because during an emergency, time is of the essence. Sending messages directly by phone reaches more people than sending messages online, flyer printing, or radio broadcasts. Emergency officials can get their message out to more people in less time and with very little effort.

In the event of a natural disaster or a large scale accident such as a hydro excavation disaster, people will be given information on what do. People can be told about what areas to avoid or where they should go for help. For example, during an electrical disaster people may be asked to avoid an area until a ground bond tester can confirm that the area is safe or people may be alerted about emergency medical areas that are set up for people injured in the disaster. This helps to keep people coordinated and minimizes confusion during a time where people are likely to be uncertain about what to do.

Because the system is designed to work with landlines, cell phones, and even VOIP services, it should be able to get the message across to citizens even in situations where there is a loss of power or landlines go out of service. This new innovation has the potential to save live by giving people access to important details during a disaster. It also can help to keep people calm, by providing information and reassurance during chaotic periods of time. The Alert San Diego System is the result of research and investments in technology. It is possible that scientific development and experimental development (SR&ED) will lead to further improvements to emergency communications in the future.